Couple laughed as they beat Irish dad to death

A WOMAN and a man have been found guilty of murdering Irishman Michael Hunt who they beat, stripped and left in skip in London earlier this year.

Fiona Nalty (25) and her lover Arry James Green (22) have been convicted for the brutal killing after a three and a half week trial.

In a statement last night Mr Hunt's devastated family described him as "such a gentle natured spirit".

Family

"Mick was very family orientated he was loved by everyone who he came into contact with him," they said. "We love and miss you lots and lots, you will never be forgotten."

Mr Hunt (37) was a father-of-three who was originally from Co Wexford but moved to London a number of years ago with his mother.

During the trial at the Old Bailey the jury heard graphic details of Mr Hunt's death after he was mercilessly beaten and kicked while on the ground in a drunken, unprovoked attack in the early hours of March 15.

The court heard that Mr Hunt had been drinking at the Port Manor pub. He later met his two killers outside an off-licence.

One witness said Mr Hunt appeared to chat up Nalty which may have triggered the violence.

Nalty began to punch Mr Hunt who did not retaliate. Green also attacked before suggesting they go down a nearby alleyway to "sort this out".

One witness - a 15-year-old boy - told the court the assailants laughed as they kicked him. They then removed his clothes and dumped him in a skip.

Blood

When the defendants re-emerged, the witness heard Nalty say "we f****d him up bad". He said there was blood on their shoes.

Mr Hunt was found the next morning and brought to hospital with a fractured skull, broken nose and other injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time after.

Nalty and Green had denied murder. Green said he was provoked while Nalty denied any involvement in the attack and blamed Green for the death. They will be sentenced today.